Veteran defender Silvestre joins Portland

Portland, OR (Sports Network) - The Portland Timbers announced on Wednesday
that the club has signed French defender Mikael Silvestre after acquiring the
right of refusal for the veteran from Seattle Sounders FC.

Portland sent a first-round pick in the 2014 MLS Supplemental Draft and a conditional 2015 draft pick to the Sounders for the former France international, who has played at the highest levels of the game in Europe.

The 35-year-old spent most of his career with Manchester United, making 361
appearances for the English side in all competitions from 1999-2008.

He also spent a few seasons with Arsenal, and most recently played two years
in Germany with Werder Bremen, featuring in 27 Bundesliga games for the club.

"Mikael will bring a tremendous amount of experience and a presence on the
field and in the locker room," said Caleb Porter, Timbers head coach. "He is a
quality player on both sides of the ball and his impact will certainly go a
long way in helping to solidify our back line. Mikael made a very positive
impression on the players and our coaching staff during his two-week trial and
we are very excited to welcome him to the Timbers organization."

Silvestre earned 40 caps for the French national team and appeared in the 2006
World Cup.